Finding an ultralight laptop that combines sturdiness with portability can be a challenge, but the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED manages to achieve just that.
Weighing only 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds), this 13.3-inch laptop is lighter than the MacBook Air, making it ideal for commuters who need a lightweight device to carry around.
Despite its compact size, Asus has managed to include a comfortable keyboard and a spacious touchpad.
Exquisite Display with Impressive Battery Life
The standout feature of the Zenbook S 13 OLED is its 2.8K-resolution OLED display. This display not only enhances productivity but also delivers a stunning viewing experience for entertainment purposes.
While OLED screens are often associated with diminished battery life, the Zenbook S 13 OLED defies this expectation. In addition to its impressive display, the laptop also offers a range of extra features that further contribute to its appeal.
Configuration and Pricing
The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED is currently available in a single configuration, retailing at $1,400. While its availability may be limited in the UK and Australia, an approximate conversion places its cost at around £1,150 in the UK and AU$2,200 in Australia.
This specified configuration features 32GB of memory and 1TB solid-state drive, complemented by the highly acclaimed OLED display.
When compared with other competing models in the market, a similarly equipped M2 MacBook Air 13 is priced at $1,900, the Dell XPS 13 Plus commands approximately $1,600, and the 14-inch Samsung Galaxy Book 3, which offers lower specifications, is available at a rate of $1,450.
It becomes evident that the Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED stands out in terms of its exceptional value within its respective price bracket.the US price roughly converts to £1,150 and AU$2,200, respectively.
Performance and Battery Life
The Zenbook S 13 OLED is equipped with an Intel Core i7-1355U processor, meticulously engineered to cater to the requirements of thin and lightweight ultraportable laptops.
While its performance may not rival that of laptops integrated with Intel’s P- or H-series processors, the Zenbook’s computing capabilities remain laudable and well-matched to its designated specifications.
The laptop excels at productivity tasks such as word processing, spreadsheet management, and creating slide presentations. It is also capable of handling light photo and video editing. Notably, the Zenbook S 13 OLED starts up quickly and is ready for work almost immediately after lifting the lid.
Additionally, it boasts a battery life of approximately 11 hours on streaming video playback, and supports quick charging, enabling a 70% charge in just 50 minutes. The only drawback is that the laptop can get uncomfortably hot during intensive tasks, such as streaming video or video calls.
Sleek Design and Convenient Features
Apart from occasional heat-related concerns, the Zenbook S 13 OLED stands as an exemplary companion for travelers. Its slender and lightweight build facilitates effortless portability.
Distinguished by an aluminum lid adorned with a ceramic-like treatment, the laptop combines aesthetic allure with tactile comfort, enhancing the user’s experience when handling the device.
The laptop meets the US MIL-STD-810H military standards for durability, ensuring its longevity. Despite its slim profile, the keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience, although key travel is limited due to the laptop’s thinness. The keyboard also includes shortcut keys for screen captures, muting the microphone and camera, and accessing the MyAsus control center.
The 1080p webcam and microphone system offer good video chat quality, with intelligent noise cancellation and various enhancement tools. The OLED display is vibrant and boasts excellent color and contrast, covering 89% of Adobe RGB and 100% DCI-P3 color gamuts. However, it does not feature touchscreen functionality.
Connectivity and Audio
The Zenbook S 13 OLED offers a comprehensive array of connectivity options catering to diverse user needs. Equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports and an HDMI output, users can seamlessly connect to external displays.
Positioned on the left side, both USB-C ports provide convenient access, while the right side features a combination audio jack and a USB-A port. The laptop’s audio capabilities are noteworthy, delivering clear sound quality, further enhanced by Dolby Atmos processing.
This audio proficiency makes the Zenbook S 13 OLED well-suited for activities such as video calls and providing an immersive background music experience.
Conclusion
The Asus Zenbook S 13 OLED emerges as an outstanding choice for individuals engaged in regular commuting and frequent travel, particularly those seeking a lightweight alternative to the MacBook Air.
Noteworthy for its remarkable display, commendable performance, extended battery life, and user-friendly attributes, this laptop strikes an ideal equilibrium between portability and functionality. Whether employed for professional tasks or leisure activities, the Zenbook S 13 OLED stands out as a dependable and versatile computing solution.
